I recently had the chance to review the Xavier Boy’s Shirt from Maisonnette.  I chose this shirt for the review piece because I loved the guitar fabric and it fits our family of guitarists so well, even one of our smallest rock stars.  Even though he is practicing his brooding look in the photo, he loved this shirt and  even though it looks snapped closed in the photo it is actually being worn open with his Jimi Hendrix tee underneath and it is a great look.  I like the versatility that the shirt can be worn open or closed and it really allows for a lot of fashion freedom.  The shirt is very well made with a contrasting fabric on the shoulders and yolk in the back.  Made of 100% Cotton it is easy care machine wash and dry.

About Maisonnette:

Maisonnette started out as a unique boutique, located downtown Oceanside, CA, in a darling little black and white 1924 cottage. Maisonnette was founded in July of 2009 by the Girls of Maisonnette, Ava, Natalie and Madeline Warr.  Our original vision of Fabric, Photography, Art has morphed into a children’s clothing line!  We made the difficult decision to close shop and pursue our clothing line, Maisonnette, in September of 2011.  We are so excited by our new venture, but we will miss our many wonderful customers!

At Maisonnette, we believe that each child is unique, and their clothing should reflect that!  Madeline has designed the collection with an edgy twist to each piece.  Maisonnette clothing is for the modern child, with classic styles and an innovative flair!  We use only the finest fabrics, hand-picked by Madeline and Ava.  We search high and low to find the perfect fabric combinations to make each outfit a work of art!  We think that children everywhere will absolutely love wearing their clothing from, Maisonnette!  Mothers will love the quality and lasting styles that can be passed down.

Maisonnette is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the Maisonnette Finn Shirt in size 3T.  Thank you Maisonnette for the review shirt and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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BRAND-NEW ‘CHUGGINGTON’ DVD,

“WILSON AND THE ICE CREAM FAIR,”

IS A SWEET TREAT FOR FANS EVERYWHERE 

 Preschoolers Coast-to-Coast to Get ‘on Track’ for Cool Learning Adventures With Latest ‘Chuggington’ Release from Anchor Bay Entertainment – Released May 15, 2012

Families nationwide will “scream” for joy when “Wilson And The Ice Cream Fair,” the newest DVD in the award-winning hit “Chuggington^™” DVD series from Anchor Bay Entertainment, pulls out of the roundhouse and into retail nationwide, May 15, 2012.  The charming new compilation for preschoolers and families is set to satisfy everyone’s appetite for fun and adventure with adorable, age-appropriate escapades to engage and enchant young viewers.

“Wilson And The Ice Cream Fair“is an irresistible new title filled with positive messages for preschoolers and we’re very excited to give fans the opportunity to enjoy this delightful collection of favorite ‘Chuggington’ episodes – just in time to celebrate the start of summer,” said Erin Carter, Executive Director of Brand Marketing, Anchor Bay Entertainment.

A colorful and contemporary CGI-animated TV series from Ludorum that reinforces early social readiness skills to help young trainees ride the rails of life, “Chuggington” airs daily on Disney Junior, Disney Channel’s programming block for kids ages 2-7 and their families.

The all-new episodic collection stars brave trainee Wilson, who takes to the rails with lots to do: he must make a special delivery to the ice cream fair, help Frostini create a new flavor for the mayor’s banquet and, somehow, help prevent a massive ice cream meltdown on the hottest day of the year!  The non-stop fun continues when Wilson and friends Brewster and Koko visit the Chuggington ice cream factory, assist with a brave rescue at the Safari Park and embark on an exciting journey to the ice caves.  Alongside helpful chuggers like Old Puffer Pete, and Mtambo, the young trainees – both on screen and at home! – discover important lessons about responsibility, cooperation, paying attention, overcoming fear and more!

“Chuggington” has quickly become a global sensation since its debut in September 2008 in the U.K.  The show has been licensed to more than 175 territories worldwide and has established ratings records in several key international markets, including the U.K., Germany, France and Australia.  The series made its stateside debut in January 2010.  In September, Disney Junior acquired all U.S. television rights to the property for Season Three.  Disney Channel is currently available on basic cable in more than 99 million U.S. homes.

Check Out This Sweet Deal!!!

“Chuggington” fans!   Starting in May 2012, LUIGI’S^® Real Italian Ice packages will feature a coupon for $2 off on the purchase price of the new title or any other “Chuggington” DVD.  In addition, consumers who purchase a “Chuggington” DVD and any Joy Cone brand 42 count Mini-Cups or 18 count Color Cups from May 1 to October 30, 2012, will be entitled to receive a FREE Frostini die-cast train from TOMY (shipping and handling charges apply).

We were lucky to receive this new release on DVD for review.  My boys are big Chuggington Fans so needless to say they were excited to watch these 6 new episodes.  What a great theme to go into the summer with.  The DVD also features bonus coloring and activity sheets which are really fun.

Anchor Bay Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Chuggington: “WILSON AND THE ICE CREAM FAIR,” DVD.  Thank you Anchor Bay Entertainment for the review DVD and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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I have been a customer of Magic Cabin for over 2 decades.  Being the mother of 5 children with a span of a couple of decades between oldest and youngest, I was a loyal and satisfied customer when there was only a catalog business and Internet or online sales was far in the future.  I have always loved the toys they offered and have always been very happy with my purchases.

One of my favorite childhood toys had to be hippity hop balls and other similar bouncing toys.  I remember I had some huge orange one that had an oval shape and had two horn like handles and a sort of friendly creature face on it.  I can clearly remember what fun they were and how much we enjoyed them.  I was recently asked to pick something to review from Magic Cabin Toys and when I saw their pony ride on toys, I knew I had found it.  I chose the blue Rody ride on pony and the orange ride on pony ball.  They arrived quickly and are very high quality, made in Italy and super durable for lots of bouncing fun indoors and out.  We inflated them with our foot pump and then quickly inserted the air plug that is included (they send a spare as well).  After that all that was left was to add kid power and fun naturally resulted.

If you are looking for something fun and that will keep your child active and using their energy, check out the pony ride ons at Magic Cabin.

Magic Cabin is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win an Orange Pony Ball.  Thank you Magic Cabin for the review items and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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If you find yourself running around a lot more these days, you can tell, we are full swing into spring.  It seems like every day we are running somewhere, and usually a few minutes behind when I realize my little guy is going to need a snack at brother’s t-ball game or something similar.  This is the time I want to be able to reach for something healthy that he can munch on the go.  If you find yourself in similar situations, then you will be happy to hear what I am going to share.  I was recently picked to take part in a Musselman’s Applesauce Review and Giveaway.  I was sent an assortment of Musselman’s delicious applesauce products.  Musselman’s is also on Pinterest with great recipes that you can use their applesauce in to whip up healthy treats for when you are on the go during the busy spring and summer months.  Recipes like Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies, Chewy Fruit Bars, Fruit & Nut Trail Cookies and so many more.  You can search through all of the recipes HERE.  Or follow Musselman’s on Pinterest HERE.

We chose to make the Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies first.  They were super easy to make and they taste very cake like more than cookie, kind of like a muffin top.  Super delicious, sweet and soft.  I can’t wait to try the Chewy Fruit Bars and Fruit & Nut Trail Cookies.

Apple Sauce Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients ½ cup shortening 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1¾ cups flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon cloves ½ teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup raisins 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup MUSSELMAN’S ® APPLE SAUCE Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg and mix well. Stir together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices. Stir in raisins and rolled oats. Add dry ingredients alternately with Musselman’s Apple Sauce to creamed mixture. Chill in refrigerator at least one hour before baking. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Makes 8-10 dozen two-inch cookies. Servings: 96 Cooking Time: x15

Musselman’s is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win an assortment of Musselman’s applesauce products like I received.  Than you Musselman’s for the review products and for sponsoring this saucy giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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inspiring kids to get outside and create their own fun. Guest artists include Garth Hudson and Elizabeth Mitchell.

Can You Canoe?

(Minneapolis, May 2012) – As childhood friends, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing spent summers at their neighborhood creek building makeshift rafts, fishing for crawdads and dreaming of great river adventures.

Now, as The Okee Dokee Brothers, they have realized these boyhood dreams via a great adventure on the Mississippi River, culminating with Can You Canoe? This new CD-DVD set will be available on May 15th (Red Eye Distribution, $16/$8.99 digital). This is the first release in a planned Adventure Album series for families.

It all began last June when Joe and Justin embarked on a canoe trip in Minneapolis and continued down the river for the next 30 days until they arrived at the St. Louis Gateway Arch. During their month-long journey on the Mississippi, they camped, canoed, filmed and most importantly, composed the songs that make up their new album for kids and families.

Can You Canoe? was produced by Dean Jones in his Hudson River Valley straw-bale studio. Guest appearances from Garth Hudson (The Band), Elizabeth Mitchell (You Are My Flower), as well as Morgan Taylor andRachel Loshak (Gustafer Yellowgold) add sparkle to these joyful songs.

The songs on the album range from direct references of the river (“Can you Canoe?,” “Mr. and Mrs. Sippi,” “Haul Away Joe”) to more general topics in the outdoor motif (“The Bullfrog Opera,” “Campin’ Tent,” “Thousand Star Hotel”).The Okee Dokee Brothers also use the river as a metaphor to address deeper themes such as the struggles in a friendship (“Brother, Along for the Ride”) and life’s changes and phases (“Roll on River”).

The 40-minute supplemental film tells the story of The Okee DokeeBrothers’ trip while including educational segments, camping shenanigans, music videos, interviews and pristine nature scenes.All the footage was filmed on location along the Mississippi River, including a visit with The Original River Rat and a group of young Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn-Becky Thatcher look-alikes in Hannibal, MO.

Joe and Justin draw inspiration from their experiences while providing a creative framework for the audience to explore their own imaginations. “We hope a project like this can inspire kids to take an active role in their lives, get outside and make their dreams realities,” they explain. All the songs and footage on this CD/DVD set are tied together by themes of rivers, friendship, and especially outdoor adventure.

The Okee Dokee Brothers will perform at World Cafe Live on April 28th and they are planning a busy summer concert tour, including  dozens of Minnesota public libraries. They’ll be featured performers at the Kansas City Jiggle Jam over Memorial Day weekend and  will host a CD release celebration event at Hennepin Park in Minneapolis on May 19th.

If you are looking for a great CD to play on your family vacation drive, or just some music to get your kids dreaming about summer at the lake or playing in the river,  this is the CD you need.  Be sure to pick up this Mississippi River Album Adventure CD/DVD today!!!

Sugar Mountain PR is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of The Okee Dokee Brothers; Can You Canoe? CD/DVD.  Thank you Sugar Mountain PR for the review copy and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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I recently received a nwe book from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Inc.  They sent me Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stay at Home Moms.  The book is filled with 101 inspirational stories for Mothers about hard work and happy families.   With stories by famous moms, including Jane Green, Melora Hardin, Liz Lange, Jodi Picoult, and Jill Kargman, and stories from other moms who elected to stay at home or work from home. Every stay-at-home and work-from-home mom will view this book as having been written just for her! A reissue of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms, this book contains 101 great stories from mothers who have made the choice to stay home or work from home while raising their families. These multi-tasking, high-performing women have become today’s power mom. This is perfect for book groups as it contains a reader guide.  I can really relate to this book as I am a work at home mom by choice.  If you are looking for a little bit of inspiration on a rough day or just knowing you are not alone this book is great comfort.

I am thrilled to announce that Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Inc.  is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of, Stay at Home Moms.  Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Inc.  for the review book and for sponsoring this heartwarming giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Mommy Ramblings wants to wish all the Mothers, whether here or celebrating with us from Heaven, A Very Happy Mother’s Day!!!  Enjoy your day, enjoy your blessings, and enjoy your life!!!

I also want to say that if you are having a difficult day due to the loss of a loved one, if you are not able to be with your family, if you are working, if you or your family members are deployed, if there is any situation that is hurting you today, know that you are not alone even though it may feel like you are.  It can be so hard, but just try to concentrate on the good things that are in every situation.  Some situations may take some detective work to find something good but when you do, try to focus on that and not the things you can’t control.

We wish you all a beautiful day, no matter where you are!!!

I recently had the chance to review “I Believe in Me!” Building Character, Cooperation and Confidence with EQ! DVD and curriculum guide.  This DVD is a for preschool age children 2-5 years old.  Sue Elizabeth Lee is the creator of “I  Believe in Me!”  The DVD focuses on EQ and not IQ, EQ is the emotional quotient or emotional intelligence.  and scientific studies show EQ can be learned and is just as important for success and happiness as IQ.  This DVD teaches children character, cooperation and confidence.

The DVD

Emotions, memories and messages metaphorically connected to color – capturing children’s attention and their hearts.

Children are more open to creative expression and color recognition is one of the first things they learn.

In this very unique dialogue they open up children’s imagination and carry on an imaginative conversation of their connection to color with events, memories and feelings. Children readily respond and connect to this teaching method.

The curriculum/guide is designed to help extend the use of the DVD viewing experience, whether a parent, teacher, grandparent…it is full of lessons and activities!

Let “I Believe in Me!”™ help your child to live life more fully!

I Believe in Me uses A Color Metaphor Teaching Tool That:

Captures and Keeps Kids Attention

Encourages Creativity

 Stimulates Left & Right Brain utilization

 Improves Expansion Thinking

Metaphorical expression ~ the imaginative comparison of one dissimilar thing to another as if it is that thing ~ has long been a tool of creative thinking and a means to capture the attention of an audience. This early learning of metaphorical expression will serve children well when they are asked in later years to express and interpret the written word.

Development of Expansion Thinking and Creativity

Thinking beyond the normal possibilities and delving into, a wondering of “What if?”, “What else?”, and “Why not?” Creativity shuts down early in the current academic culture, dropping significantly by age seven.The “I Believe In Me!”™ series is using color as a metaphorical means to convey a message as well as setting the stage for creative expansion thinking. If color were something else, what might it be? What if color were a feeling? An event? A smell? A taste? A moment? There are no wrong answers… only playful exploration of the mind to freely wonder, imagine and explore.

When we ask, “What is your Chili Pepper Red?” be aware that there may be no response. You may never “hear” an answer, yet the wondering of it, might be churning around in the child’s head… and one day they may reply with an answer ~ or simply begin noticing things in a new way ~ that in and of its self is worthy ~ trust the creative stimulus is working.

Right -Brained vs. Left-Brained

The “I Believe In Me!”™ series, assists the right-brained learner and yet appeals to the left-brained thinker for it makes “sense” and is logical in application. The series is appealing to the visual learner for the children actually “see” the immediate application in real life scenarios acted out.

Jeffrey Freed, Author: Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World “The “I Believe in Me!”™ series will help children associate early learning with fun, setting the stage for a positive foundation that will benefit children throughout their school years. The creative use of color is a great way to reach the emerging visual learner, who processes information emotionally, pictorially and associatively.”

Pattern of Language

In using color as the metaphorical carrier of the lessons, we are breaking what is known as the pattern of language, forcing children to listen in a new way, catching their attention, allowing children to pick up messages they might have otherwise missed.

Anticipation of what is yet to come

Using color as we do captures the imagination of the children who already have seen it. They’ve come to enjoy the messages and ask, “What colors will be in the next one?” Anticipation and expectation are often the spark to creativity.

I put this DVD on and both my 3-year-old and 5-year-old really enjoyed it, my 5-year-old wanted to know where blue, purple and yellow were.  It definitely captured their attention and they found it very enjoyable and related to the children and their feelings.  The curriculum guide is on a cd and you can pop it in your computer and it will give you lots of in-depth ways you can expand on the DVD.  If you are looking for something to incorporate in you preschoolers education, this is a great DVD that will really help kids develop and understand their EQ.

Watch The Video Below to Listen to Dalton Sherman  and know what confidence looks, sounds and feels like.

Alright, we are going to talk about something yucky, but we all need to do it at one time or another.  I talking about plunging, and I really don’t know anyone that likes to do it.  So even though it is a dirty job, it’s a lot easier when you have the right tool.  Most plungers are pretty messy and although they may clear the problem, you are then left with a new mess to contend with.

I was recently contacted by Rubbermaid to see if I was interested in reviewing their new  Clean & Dry Plunger.  I said sure because it’s an item families need and that is what we are here to review.  So even though it is not one of my most glamorous reviews, it is necessary.  So, what makes this plunger different?  I am glad you asked, the big difference is that the head and pole of the plunger are coated in NeverWet™ nanotech coating that:

·       Repels water, germs and other things

·       Like car wax, the water beads up and rolls off instantly

·       Minimizes the spread of germs and keeps homes cleaner & more sanitary

·       Won’t drip on the floor after use

·       Head plunges effectively & maintains NeverWet coating for thousands of cycles

For a great example of just how well the plunger works, watch this video!!!